Euronews

Spanish ex-Formula One test driver Maria de Villota has been found dead in her hotel room in the southern city of Seville.

The 33-year-old, who lost an eye during an horrific crash last year, was thought to have been there to launch her autobiography.

She was testing a car for the Marussia team at an airfield in eastern England in July 2012 when she was seriously injured in a collision with a truck. Since the accident she has given lectures about overcoming adversity.

According to initial reports today, Spanish police said Maria de Villota died of natural causes but a post-mortem examination will now be carried out.